Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: Early strikes from Suhair Vadakkepeedika and Lalrinfela (Mafela) powered Odisha FC to a narrow 2–1 win over Sporting Club Delhi in their Indian Super League 2025–26 fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.
Odisha FC made a blistering start, scoring twice inside the opening 15 minutes. Suhair gave the visitors the lead in the 4th minute with a well-placed header from a cross delivered by Sanathoi Singh Heikrujam. They doubled their advantage in the 13th minute when Lalrinfela finished clinically from inside the box after a precise assist from Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea).
Despite the early setback, SC Delhi gradually grew into the match and began controlling possession. The hosts created multiple chances before halftime, with efforts from Lamgoulen Gou and Matija Babovic testing the Odisha defence, but they were unable to convert.
Odisha went into the break with a 2–0 advantage, even as SC Delhi continued to push forward. After the restart, the home side intensified their attack and brought in Julio Rivas to add more firepower, but clear chances were initially limited.
The breakthrough for SC Delhi came in the 70th minute when Odisha midfielder Puitea was penalised for a handball inside the box. Babovic converted the resulting penalty in the 74th minute, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and bringing the hosts back into the contest.
SC Delhi nearly equalised later, with Kartik Hantal missing a close-range opportunity in the 79th minute. In the closing stages, Odisha goalkeeper Anuj Kumar and the defence were forced into several crucial saves as the hosts pressed hard for a leveller.
Late attempts from Julio Rivas and Sourav K were denied, while Odisha focused on maintaining possession to see out the match. Seven minutes of stoppage time added tension, but the visitors held firm under pressure.
Tempers flared in added time, leading to cautions for SC Delhi players Ousmane Fané and Clarence Fernandes. A final free-kick in the dying moments failed to trouble Odisha, who eventually sealed all three points.
With this win, Odisha FC move to 11th place on the table with 10 points from 11 matches, overtaking Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC on standings. SC Delhi remain in 10th place with the same points tally but stay ahead on goal difference.
The result provides a crucial boost for Odisha FC in their fight to climb away from the relegation zone, while SC Delhi were left frustrated after dominating possession but failing to capitalise on their chances.